Sonic Unleashed

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
54

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 24
  3. Negative: 8 out of 24
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  1. Play UK
    48
    This is far from the return to form many have expected, and we now see why Sega was so keen to keep its new take on Sonic’s character a secret. Despite some promising moments, Sonic Unleashed collapses under the weight of its flaws.
  2. Extreme Gamer
    45
    Sonic Unleashed had promise, and actually part of the game is pretty decent, but its too bad the entire game wasn't completed with the mindset of "Day" Sonic. Sorry Sonic, gamers pass on this one.
  3. IGN
    45
    Sonic Unleashed has made me bipolar. In the daytime, I'm happy – almost too happy. And at night I become angry and irritable, frustrated and impossible to be around. [Ed: Nice, Hilary. Backwards much?]
  5. Game Revolution
    42
    The amount of backtracking required in Sonic Unleashed is absolutely inexcusable, and this mandatory medal hunting is the nail in the coffin.
  6. PS3bloggen.se
    40
    Sonic is back, but unfortunately the developers didn't dare to let him star in a all-running racing game, but insisted on adding a superfluous story and roleplaying elements. Could we get a pure Sonic experience next time, please?
  7. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    40
    20% of Sonic Unleashed is brilliant. [Jan 2009, p.92]
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  8. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    40
    Structurally it's a mess. [Mar 2009, p.77]
    All this publication's reviews
  9. GameSpot
    35
    Terrible level design, unresponsive controls, and a poor camera are just the beginning of the problems in this awful adventure.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
19
#19 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 382 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 284 out of 382
  2. Mixed: 70 out of 382
  3. Negative: 28 out of 382
  1. paradaxarada
    Sep 27, 2010
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. I'm a long time Sonic fan, since Genesis, and I absolutely LOVE this game. It's alarming to see so many giving it so little credit, and highlighting their woes about certain aspects. Personally I had a fun time playing as Sonic the Werehog, but more than that, the speed levels are utterly incredible. Spectacularly crafted, graphically too. Couldn't be more pleased with the outcome![2] 10 for that one… Full Review »
  2. thiago52192
    May 15, 2017
    10
    The fastest sonic game, turns out to be the most fun and enjoyable game of the franchise. Focus more on speed, and making a mix of plataformThe fastest sonic game, turns out to be the most fun and enjoyable game of the franchise. Focus more on speed, and making a mix of plataform and racing was the best idea sega have made in years… Full Review »
  3. JameBark
    Feb 7, 2017
    8
    This game was cruelly underscored, in my opinion, by sites like IGN and GameSpot way back when. However, upon removing the sometimes flat outThis game was cruelly underscored, in my opinion, by sites like IGN and GameSpot way back when. However, upon removing the sometimes flat out inaccurate observations, you can see that Sonic Unleashed is a fantastic game, and possible one of the best Sonic games made in recent memory.

    The day stages, fast and frantic, with a fast and frantic soundtrack to encourage the player to keep going, the boost feature taken from Sonic Rush to exemplify this. The night stages, reserved and mostly relaxed, show that when a Sonic game slows down, it does it very well. The night stages have calming, and sometimes easily danced to music, even if the level length is a little ridiculous (Eggmanland, anyone?). Sonic Unleashed's soundtrack is easily the best part, be it the wild energy in the main theme, Endless Possibility, or the calming nature of Jungle Joyride Night. Although the Werehog battle theme can get very repetitive as it interrupts the level's theme music EVERY time a Dark Gaia creature rolls in Sonic's way.

    The plot is well written, the twist with Chip, your companion during this adventure, was well handled, even if it did come out of nowhere a bit, and the climax of this grand adventure is a spectacle to behold. The night bosses were unique, each with different way to defeat them, and the day bosses were kinda boring, considering that Sonic is continually running in them. The voice acting is great, Jason Griffith putting in good performance, though not as good as his performance in Sonic and the Black Knight.

    The game is great, not nearly as bad some people or news outlets would have you believe. The stunning soundtrack, the gorgeous locations and the change of pace from day to night, everything on offer can have some enjoyment, even if it is nowhere close to perfect.    … Full Review »
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